Things You Should Rent Instead Of Buying
Although sometimes, we should buy rather than rent, there are certain items that you should consider renting. Whether it’s because it makes financial sense, because it’s just much easier or because it’s better for our planet, here at 10 things that you should think about renting. Of course, in certain circumstances, you’ll be better off buying. However, generally speaking, it’s worth considering renting these items over buying to save you cash and save our planet.
1. Tools
Power tools like framing nailers or hammer drills don’t exactly come cheap, and they can take up a lot of space. So, if you’re doing a little DIY and you know it’s likely going to be a long time before you pick up your tools again, it makes sense to hire the tools you know. When you consider the upfront cost of tools, if you’re not going to use them regularly, they may never pay for themselves. You can rent tools from stores such as Lowes and Home Depot or check local directories for independent tool suppliers that offer a rental service.
2. Video Games
If you’ve ever played a video game for weeks on end only for it to be thrown into an ever-growing pile that’s just collecting dust, you should hire them. For the kind of games that are a one-time thing before the latest version comes along, it makes sense to rent. You can use subscription services such as GameFly to rent a game, avoiding a collection of games that will eventually be neglected.
3. Textbooks
Not only are textbooks a waste of natural resources, but brand-new ones typically cost a stack. If you’re a student that is already struggling with your finances, don’t go and blow a whole load of cash on glossy new textbooks. Instead, head to the library or go online to rent the sources you need. Not only are you saving the trees, but also a whole lot of your hard-earned dollar.
4. Formal Wear
Unless you’re a socialite heading off to a fancy event every week, chances are you won’t get too many opportunities to rock formal wear. So, instead of heading out and dropping a pretty penny on a fancy gown or a tailored suit to wear once, you should rent the perfect outfit. Not only will you save money, but also valuable closet space.
5. Storage Space
Instead of buying storage space, it’s worth considering rental. This way, you won’t be tied into storing your stuff in one place for a long time. For example, if you decide to up sticks one day, it’s much easier to cancel your rental agreement on your storage unit as opposed to selling one.
6. Camping Gear
Again, unless you’re practically Bear Grylls and you camp every weekend, it may not be the best idea to go out and spend a fortune on camping gear. When you consider how many people will buy a blow-up tent for a camping trip or a music festival only for it to get thrown into a garage and never see daylight again, that’s a whole lot of cash down the drain. So, instead of getting carried away and splashing out on fancy camping gear, consider how often you’ll actually use it.
7. Gym Equipment
Although gym equipment is more often than not a well-intentioned purchase, it’s also one of those that can end up being a waste of money. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on your home gym equipment, you can consider renting it. Better yet, you could save even more cash by joining the local gym or try an exercise that doesn’t cost you a penny. There’s nothing quite like stepping outside for a brisk walk after all.
8. Parking Spaces
Parking spaces don’t come cheap in cities. So, instead of buying one or blowing your budget looking for a home with a space that comes with, you could always rent one. Websites such as Just Park allow you to search for spaces in cities and rent them right away. With that said, if you have a space going spare, you should definitely consider putting it up for rent to earn some extra cash.
9. Christmas Trees
Of course, this is a seasonal one unless you’d like a Christmas tree up all year round (we’re not judging). Rather than heading out and buying a real tree at Christmas only to be left with it after all the festivities, you can actually rent one. Websites such as The Living Christmas Company will rent you a tree, and they’ll even drop it off. As long as you care for it properly and the tree is still in good shape when they collect it, you’ll get your deposit back. It’s as easy as that.
10. Garden Plots
If you fancy having your very own vegetable patch, but you’re lacking the garden space, there’s no need to sell up. Instead, you can rent a garden space nearby. While it may take a little time to find, it will be worth it once you’re enjoying homegrown vegetables and becoming part of a community of like-minded gardeners.
So, that’s 10 things that you should consider renting over buying. Of course, some of these will be dependent on your individual circumstances. But, generally speaking, before you go out and splash the cash, it’s worth a thought at least. Happy renting!
